The food crisis of 2008 provoked a strong
coordinated response from the world community and exposed fundamental problems
in the agrofood sector, which continue. Prices remain high in many domestic
markets of developing countries, and the risk of future volatility persists.
The present economy-wide crisis creates severe economic and social difficulties,
which aggravate agricultural problems and the food situation -particularly
for least-developed countries and small farmers - and which require stronger
actions.

$5 million grant from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation fosters collaboration between six major humanitarian
agencies

Global humanitarian agencies are getting
a boost in their ability to respond to emergencies like floods and earthquakes,
and vulnerable communities are learning to prepare before disaster strikes,
thanks to a new round of funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Disasters hit hard in poor communities,
and developing countries don't always have the resources to prepare or
respond.